Exercise machine with adjustable arms rotatable about three axes

ABSTRACT

An exercise machine comprises a frame, a resistance element to provide resistance for performing exercise, a pair of arm assemblies connected to said resistance element and pivotally mounted to the frame so as to be rotatable about respective first axes to perform exercise. The first axes of exercise are rotatable about second axes to alter the respective orientation of the first axes of exercise. This will allow a selection of different travel paths for the arm assemblies, such as converging, diverging, or neutral movements. The second axes are rotatable about third axes wherein the orientation of the first axes of exercise can be further altered. This would allow the arm assemblies to be adjusted in towards each other or out further away from each other. The further out the arm assemblies are adjusted from one another, a more pronounced arcuate travel path will be followed during exercise. The arm assemblies have a respective lever arm that can be angularly adjusted to perform pushing or pulling exercises. The resistance element is connected to the arm assemblies wherein a constant tension is maintained on the cable assembly, link assembly, or other means of connection, during adjustments of the preselected travel paths and adjustments of the desired positions of the arm assemblies. During exercise, the assembly connecting the resistance element with the arm assemblies will rotate and self-align to accommodate the preselected travel paths and preselected positions of the arm assemblies.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is being filed as a continuation-in-part (CIP) to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/346,528 filed Feb. 2, 2006, which isfiled as a continuation-in-part (CIP) to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/254,576 filed Oct. 20, 2005, which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

Various types of exercise machines for strengthening and conditioningthe body are known. One type of exercise machine, referred to herein asa weight machine, exercises the user's muscles by having the user push,pull, or otherwise move an exercise assembly that is connected to aresistance device, such as a stack of weights. The exercise machine mayinclude one or more exercise assemblies, each designed to exercise aspecific muscle group. Some exercise assemblies may be configured by theuser to perform more than one exercise.

Common weight-lifting exercises include press and pull exercises. Inpress and pull exercises, the user pushes or pulls a pair of armsconnected to a weight stack or other resistance device. The armstypically move along a fixed path that may converge or diverge duringthe exercise. There are a number of drawbacks with conventional pressand pull exercise machines. In most prior press and pull exercisemachines, the travel path of the arms is fixed. There are a number ofreasons why a person may want to change the travel path of the arms.First, the user may want to adjust the arms to follow a path that iscomfortable for the user. Second, the user may want to adjust the pathof the arms to perform different exercises. Thus, there is a need for apress/pull-type exercise machine that enables the user to adjust thetravel path of the arms.

Another drawback with conventional press and pull exercise machines isthat press and pull exercises are typically performed at differentmachines or at different stations on a multi-station exercise machine.Having multiple machines or stations to perform both press and pullexercises increases the cost of the exercise equipment, as well as thespace needed to house the exercise equipment. Thus, it would bedesirable to perform both press and pull exercises at a single stationon the same exercise machine.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a press/pull exercise machine with meansto adjust the travel path of the arm assemblies, the position of the armassemblies, and the angular orientation of the lever arms whilemaintaining a constant tension with resistance during these variations.Variations in the travel paths of the arm assemblies, positions of thearm assemblies, and angular orientations of the lever arms allow fordifferent exercises and different flexibility levels. The exercisemachine comprises a frame and an exercise assembly, wherein the exerciseassembly comprises, two pairs of swivel assemblies, a pair of armassemblies pivotally connected to the frame for rotation about arespective first axis to perform exercise, and a resistance device and aconnecting assembly operatively connecting the arm assemblies to theresistance device. One or two pairs of respective swivel assemblies canbe adjusted to rotatably alter the orientation of a respective firstaxis, the axis of exercise. The connecting assembly may comprise a cableassembly, a link assembly, or a combination of the two. Also, freeweights could be directly mounted to the arm assemblies.

Each arm assembly may comprise a lever arm with one or more handles forgripping by the user during exercise and an angular adjustment mechanismwhich may comprise an arm member to adjust the angle of the lever arm.The connecting assembly may comprise a connection member connected to aconnection axis of the angular adjustment mechanism, and/or lever arm toconnect resistance.

The arm assemblies are mounted to the frame in a manner that allows theuser to adjust the travel path of each arm assembly. In one exemplaryembodiment, each arm assembly is pivotally connected to a respectivefirst swivel assembly and rotatable about a respective first axis toperform exercise. Each respective first swivel assembly is pivotallyconnected to a respective second swivel assembly and rotatable about arespective second axis so that the arm assemblies can revolve about thesecond axes so the user can preselect a desired travel path. Thisrotation alters the orientation of each respective first axis ofexercise. The revolving of the arm assemblies allows a selection ofneutral, converging or diverging paths. Once the desired path isselected, each respective first swivel assembly can be locked intoposition via a locking mechanism. Each respective second swivel assemblyis pivotally connected to the frame and rotatable about a respectivethird axis. Rotating the second swivel assemblies about the third axeswill move the arm assemblies in towards each other or out away from eachother. This rotation further alters the orientation of each respectivefirst axis of exercise. Also, the further apart the arm assemblies areadjusted from one another, a more pronounced arcuate path will befollowed by the arm assemblies during exercise. The second swivelassemblies can be locked into position via locking mechanisms once thearm assemblies desired positions and paths are chosen.

In another embodiment of the invention, the above mentioned exemplaryembodiment can be made without the first swivel assemblies, wherein thearm assemblies are pivotally mounted to the second swivel assemblies andare rotatable about a respective first axis to perform exercise. Thesecond swivel assemblies are pivotally attached to the frame and arerotatable about a respective said third axis of the first exemplaryembodiment, wherein rotation of second swivel assemblies about the thirdaxes will bring the arm assemblies in towards each other or furtherapart from each other. This rotation alters the orientation of eachrespective axis of exercise. Also, the further apart the arm assembliesare adjusted from one another, a more pronounced arcuate path will befollowed by the arm assemblies during exercise. The second swivelassemblies can be locked into position via locking mechanisms once thearm assemblies desired positions and paths are chosen.

In another embodiment of the invention, the above mentioned exemplaryembodiment can be made without the second swivel assemblies, wherein thearm assemblies are pivotally mounted to the first swivel assemblies androtatable about a respective first axis to perform exercise. The firstswivel assemblies are pivotally attached to the frame and are rotatableabout a respective said second axis of the first exemplary embodiment.This rotation will alter the orientation of each respective axis ofexercise. Also, this rotation will revolve the arm assemblies about thesecond axes so the user can preselect a desired travel path. Therevolving arm assemblies allows a selection of neutral, converging ordiverging paths. Once the desired path is selected, each respectivefirst swivel assembly can be locked into position via a lockingmechanism.

In another aspect of the invention, the angular orientation of the leverarms, the travel path of the arm assemblies, and the position of the armassemblies can be adjusted while the connecting assembly connecting thearm assemblies to the resistance element maintains a substantiallyconstant tension. Also, the arm assemblies, connection members, andguide pulley assemblies will rotate and self-align during exercise. Inone embodiment, a cable assembly connects a stack of weights to the armassemblies. A respective arm assembly includes a respective arm memberwhich is slidingly attached to a respective lever arm by a sleeve thatwill rotate on at least two axes of rotation wherein the angularorientation of the lever arm can be adjusted by pivoting the lever armand locking the sleeve onto a desired location on the arm member. Thearm member is also pivotally attached to a connecting pulley assemblywith at least one axis of rotation. The connecting pulley assembly isconnected to resistance and also bumpers against a respective guidepulley assembly, which is pivotally attached to the frame. Theconnecting pulley assemblies and the guide pulley assemblies bumperingone another provides a rest position for the arm assemblies. Toaccommodate adjustments in the angular orientation of the lever arm,adjustments in the travel path selections, and adjustments in positionsof the arm assemblies, the guide pulley assemblies, the connectingpulley assemblies, and the arm members rotate and self-align, thusenabling the connecting pulley assemblies and guide pulley assemblies toremain bumpered with one another, thus allowing the cable assembly tomaintain a constant tension. During exercise, to accommodate thepreselected adjustments discussed above, the guide pulley assemblies,the connecting pulley assemblies, and the arm members rotate andself-align with the cable assembly. This aspect of the invention can beused on any of the first three embodiments of the invention.

In another embodiment of the invention, a respective arm assemblyincludes a respective arm member that is pivotally attached to arespective first or second swivel assembly and rotatable about arespective first axis of exercise. The arm member is also pivotallyattached with a respective lever arm, wherein the angular orientation ofthe lever arm can be adjusted via a locking mechanism. The arm member isalso pivotally attached to a link rod at a connection axis with at leastone axis of rotation. A connecting pulley assembly is also pivotallyattached to the link rod. The connecting pulley assembly is connected toresistance and also bumpers against a respective guide pulley assembly,as in the previous embodiment. The connecting pulley assemblies andguide pulley assemblies bumpering one another provides a rest positionfor the arm assemblies. To accommodate adjustments in the travel pathselections and adjustments in positions of the arm assemblies, the guidepulley assemblies, the connection members, which include the connectingpulley assemblies, rotate and self-align, thus enabling the connectingpulley assemblies and guide pulley assemblies to remain bumpered, thusenabling the cable assembly to maintain a constant tension. Duringexercise, to accommodate the preselected adjustments discussed above,the guide pulley assemblies, the connection members, which include theconnecting pulley assemblies, rotate and self-align with the cableassembly. This embodiment can be used on any of the first threeembodiments of the invention.

In another embodiment of the invention, a respective arm assemblyincludes a respective arm member that is pivotally attached to arespective first or second swivel assembly and rotatable about arespective first axis of exercise. The arm member is also pivotallyattached with a respective lever arm, wherein the angular orientation ofthe lever arm can be adjusted via a locking mechanism. The arm member isalso pivotally attached to a link rod at a connection axis with at leastone axis of rotation. The other end of the link rod is pivotallyattached to a leverage mechanism wherein the leverage mechanism isbumpered to provide a rest position for the respective arm assembly. Toaccommodate adjustments in the travel path selections and adjustments inpositions of the arm assemblies, the link rods rotate and self align,thus enabling the leverage mechanism to remain in a bumpered position,thus enabling the connection assembly to maintain a constant tension.During exercise, to accommodate the preselected adjustments discussedabove, the link rods rotate and self-align.

In another embodiment of the invention, free weights can be directlyloaded to the arm assemblies to provide resistance using any of theabove mentioned embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary press/pullexercise machine according to the present invention from the front.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary press/pullexercise machine according to the present invention from the back.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary press/pullexercise machine from the front with the arms configured for a pullexercise.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary press/pullexercise machine from the back with the arms configured for a pullexercise.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary exercise assemblyand a portion of a cable assembly.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating exemplary swivelingassemblies and respective locking mechanisms.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exemplaryexercise assembly.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exemplary armmember.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating swiveling guidepulley assemblies.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating exemplary swivelingassemblies and locking mechanisms adjusted into a diverging and narrowsetting.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating exemplary swivelingassemblies and locking mechanisms adjusted into a diverging and opensetting.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating exemplary swivelingassemblies and locking mechanisms adjusted into a diverging and widesetting.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the exercise assembly with the arms configuredto follow a diverging path in a narrow setting with the handles adjustedto the outside and illustrates the path the arm assemblies will travel.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the exercise assembly with the arms configuredto follow a diverging path in an open setting with the handles adjustedto the inside and illustrates the path the arm assemblies will travel.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the exercise assembly with the arms configuredto follow a diverging path in a wide setting with the handles adjustedto the inside and illustrates the path the arm assemblies will travel.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating exemplary swivelingassemblies and locking mechanisms adjusted into a neutral and narrowsetting.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating exemplary swivelingassemblies and locking mechanisms adjusted into a neutral and opensetting.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating exemplary swivelingassemblies and locking mechanisms adjusted into a neutral and widesetting.

FIG. 19 is a top view of the exercise assembly with the arms configuredto follow a neutral path in a narrow setting with the handles adjustedto the outside and illustrates the path the arm assemblies will travel.

FIG. 20 is a top view of the exercise assembly with the arms configuredto follow a neutral path in an open setting with the handles adjusted tothe inside and illustrates the path the arm assemblies will travel.

FIG. 21 is a top view of the exercise assembly with the arms configuredto follow a neutral path in a wide setting with the handles adjusted tothe inside and illustrates the path the arm assemblies will travel.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating exemplary swivelingassemblies and locking mechanisms adjusted into a converging and narrowsetting.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating exemplary swivelingassemblies and locking mechanisms adjusted into a converging and opensetting.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating exemplary swivelingassemblies and locking mechanisms adjusted into a converging and widesetting.

FIG. 25 is a top view of the exercise assembly with the arms configuredto follow a converging path in a narrow setting with the handlesadjusted to the outside and illustrates the path the arm assemblies willtravel.

FIG. 26 is a top view of the exercise assembly with the arms configuredto follow a converging path in an open setting with the handles adjustedto the inside and illustrates the path the arm assemblies will travel.

FIG. 27 is a top view of the exercise assembly with the arms configuredto follow a converging path in a wide setting with the handles adjustedto the inside and illustrates the path the arm assemblies will travel.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machinefrom the front with an alternate exercise assembly and alternateconnection member.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machinefrom the back with an alternate exercise assembly and alternateconnection member.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machinefrom the front with an alternate exercise assembly and alternateconnection member.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machinefrom the front with an alternate exercise assembly and alternateconnection assembly.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machinefrom the back with an alternate exercise assembly and alternateconnection assembly.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machinefrom the back with an alternate exercise assembly and alternateconnection assembly.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machinefrom the front with an alternate exercise assembly, alternate connectionassembly, and alternate resistance element.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machinefrom the front with an alternate exercise assembly with free weightsdirectly loaded to the arm assemblies as the resistance.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machinefrom the front with an alternate exercise assembly with free weightsdirectly loaded to the arm assemblies as the resistance.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary press/pullexercise machine from the front with an alternate adjusting and lockingmechanism for the exercise assembly.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machinefrom the front with an alternate exercise assembly comprising alternatesecond swivel assemblies, wherein the arm assemblies axes of exercisecan be adjusted wherein the arm assemblies can move inward towards eachother or outward away from each other.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machinefrom the back with an alternate exercise assembly comprising alternatesecond swivel assemblies, wherein the arm assemblies axes of exercisecan be adjusted wherein the arm assemblies can move inward towards eachother or outward away from each other.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view illustrating an alternate exerciseassembly and a portion of the cable assembly, wherein the arm assembliesare pivotally attached to alternate second swivel assemblies.

FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a pair of alternatesecond swiveling assemblies and respective locking mechanisms.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view illustrating a pair of alternate secondswivel assemblies and respective locking mechanisms adjusted into anarrow setting.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view illustrating a pair of alternate secondswivel assemblies and respective locking mechanisms adjusted into anopen setting.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view illustrating a pair of alternate secondswivel assemblies and respective locking mechanisms adjusted into a widesetting.

FIG. 45 is a top view illustrating an alternate exercise assembly withthe arms configured to follow a neutral path in a narrow setting withthe handles adjusted to the outside and illustrates the path the armassemblies will travel.

FIG. 46 is a top view illustrating an alternate exercise assembly withthe arms configured to follow a neutral path in an open setting with thehandles adjusted to the inside and illustrates the path the armassemblies will travel.

FIG. 47 is a top view illustrating an alternate exercise assembly withthe arms configured to follow a neutral path in a wide setting with thehandles adjusted to the inside and illustrates the path the armassemblies will travel.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machinefrom the front with an alternate exercise assembly with free weightsdirectly loaded to the arm assemblies as the resistance.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machinefrom the front with an alternate exercise assembly with free weightsdirectly loaded to the arm assemblies as the resistance.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machinefrom the front with an alternate exercise assembly wherein the armassemblies axes of exercise can be adjusted wherein the arm assembliescan revolve about respective second axes to allow neutral, converging,or diverging travel path selections.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machinefrom the back with an alternate exercise assembly wherein the armassemblies axes of exercise can be adjusted wherein the arm assembliescan revolve about respective second axes to allow neutral, converging,or diverging travel path selections.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view illustrating an alternate exerciseassembly and a portion of the cable assembly wherein the first swivelassemblies are attached to a frame member.

FIG. 53 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a portion of analternate exercise assembly showing a pair of first swiveling assembliesand respective locking mechanisms.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view illustrating a pair of first swivelassemblies and respective locking mechanisms adjusted into a divergingsetting.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view illustrating a pair of first swivelassemblies and respective locking mechanisms adjusted into a neutralsetting.

FIG. 56 is a perspective view illustrating a pair of first swivelassemblies and respective locking mechanisms adjusted into a convergingsetting.

FIG. 57 is a top view illustrating an alternate exercise assembly withthe arms configured to follow a diverging path in an open setting withthe handles adjusted to the inside and illustrates the path the armassemblies will travel.

FIG. 58 is a top view illustrating an alternate exercise assembly withthe arms configured to follow a neutral path in an open setting with thehandles adjusted to the inside and illustrates the path the armassemblies will travel.

FIG. 59 is a top view illustrating an alternate exercise assembly withthe arms configured to follow a converging path in an open setting withthe handles adjusted to the inside and illustrates the path the armassemblies will travel.

FIG. 60 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machinefrom the back with an alternate exercise assembly with free weightsdirectly loaded to the arm assemblies as the resistance.

FIG. 61 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machinefrom the front with an alternate exercise assembly with free weightsdirectly loaded to the arm assemblies as the resistance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, an exercise machine according to thepresent invention is shown therein and indicated generally by thenumeral 10. The exercise machine 10 comprises a frame 100, weight stack200 or other resistance element, exercise assembly 300, and cable system500 interconnecting the exercise assembly 300 with the weight stack 200.The exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings is for performing pressand pull exercises, such as chest presses, bench presses, shoulderpresses, inclined presses, and mid row exercises. The exemplaryembodiment may also be used to perform other exercises where twoopposing arms are pushed, pulled or otherwise moved by the user.

The frame 100 provides structural support and stability to the exercisemachine 10. The frame 100 includes a base 102 comprising frame members104 and 106. Vertical frame members 108 and 110 extend upwardly from thebase 102 to top member 112. In the exemplary embodiment, the top member112 extends generally from front to back. Vertical member 108 isdisposed toward the back of the exercise machine 10. Vertical member 110is disposed toward the front of the exercise machine 10. Frame 100further includes an upper cross member 114 at the forward end of the topmember 112. The upper cross member 114 extends generally perpendicularlyto the top member 112. Cross member 114 provides an attachment point forthe exercise assembly 300 as will be hereinafter described below. Twoguide rod supports 116 are mounted on opposing sides of the top member112 adjacent the rear end thereof. The guide rod supports 116 secure theupper ends of the guide rods 204 which guide the weight stack 200. Atee-shaped support member 118 extends rearward from the vertical member110 and provides support for a pair of guide pulley assemblies 520.

The frame 100 further includes a seat support 120 and back support 140.The seat support 120 includes a support member 122 extending from thefront vertical member 110. A support sleeve 124 is connected at theforward end of the support member 122. The support sleeve 124 receives aseat post 126 extending from the bottom of a seat 130. The seat 130 mayinclude a cushioned pad. The seat post 126 includes a series of openings128 that are engaged by a locking pin 132. The locking pin 132 ispreferably biased to a locked position. The seat height can be adjustedby disengaging the locking pin 132, adjusting the seat 130 to thedesired height, and reengaging the locking pin 132 in one of theapertures 128 in the seat post 126.

The back support 140 comprises a support sleeve 142 secured to the sideof the vertical member 110. The support sleeve 142 receives a back post144 extending from a seat back 145. The seat back 145 may have acushioned pad. The back post 144 includes a series of apertures 146 thatare engaged by a locking pin 148. The seat back 145 can be adjusted in amanner similar to the seat 130 by disengaging the locking pin 148,adjusting the seat back 145 to the desired position, and reengaging thelocking pin 148 with one of the apertures 146 in the back post 144.

The weight stack 200 provides resistance to the force applied by theuser to the exercise assembly 300. In the exemplary embodiment, theweight stack 200 includes a number of individual weight plates 202 thatcan be selectively added to and removed from the load picked-up by theuser to provide variable amounts of resistance. Guide rods 204 extendthrough apertures in each of the weight plates 202. The bottom ends ofthe guide rods 204 are secured to the base 102. The top ends of theguide rods 204 are secured to respective guide post supports 116. Theplates 202 slide vertically along the guide rods 204 as the userexercises. A lifting rod 206 extends through a central opening in theweight plates 202. The lifting rod 206 includes a series of aperturesthat align with corresponding apertures 210 in the weight plates 202.The user selects the desired number of plates 202 to be lifted byinserting a pin 212 through the aperture 210 in a selected plate 202 andengaging the pin 212 with the aperture in the lifting rod 206. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that other resistance devices, suchas electronic resistance devices, magnetic breaks, pneumatic cylindersor plate loaded free weights may also be used to practice the presentinvention.

The exercise assembly 300, shown in FIG. 5 along with a portion of thecable assembly, comprises two respective pairs of swivel assemblies, 400and 420, and a pair of arm assemblies 301 that are pushed or pulled bythe user to perform exercises. The arm assemblies 301 are interconnectedwith the weight stack 200 by the cable assembly 500. Each arm assembly301 is pivotally mounted so as to pivot about first, second, and thirdaxes labeled X1, X2, and X3, respectively. The arm assemblies 301 arepivotally attached to a first pair of swivel assemblies 420 and rotateabout axes X1 when the user is exercising. Each respective first swivelassembly 420 is pivotally attached to a respective second swivelassembly 400 and rotatable about a respective axis X2. Collars 418retain first swivel assemblies 420 into second swivel assemblies 400.Prior to exercising, the first pair of swivel assemblies 420 can berotated about axes X2 and locked into position to alter the orientationof the axes of exercise, X1, to change the travel path of the armassemblies 301. The arm assemblies 301 will revolve about axes X2wherein a neutral, converging, or diverging path can be selected. Thoseskilled in the art would appreciate that the present invention could beused to select multiple converging paths and/or multiple divergingpaths. Also, in one embodiment, different paths can be selected fordifferent arm assemblies 301. Each respective second swivel assembly 400is pivotally attached to the frame 10 and rotatable about a respectiveaxis X3. Prior to exercising, the second pair of swivel assemblies 400can be rotated about axes X3 and locked into position to alter theorientation of the axes of exercise, X1, wherein rotation of the secondpair of swivel assemblies 400 about axes X3 will bring the armassemblies 301 in towards each other or further apart from each other.Also, the further apart the arm assemblies are adjusted from oneanother, a more pronounced arcuate path will be followed by the armassemblies during exercise. Both pairs of swiveling assemblies 400 and420 are discussed in more detail below.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of thefirst swiveling assemblies 420 and the second swiveling assemblies 400as well as respective locking mechanisms. Cross member 114 provides anattaching point to the frame 100. A pair of locking brackets 440, whichhave slots 442 and apertures 441, are fixedly attached to cross member114. A respective axle 419 is mounted to a respective locking bracket440 and is collinear with each respective axis X3. Each respectivesecond swiveling assembly 400 has a first sleeve 410, which is collinearwith a respective axis X2, and holds bushings 416 and sleeve bushing402. Attached to the first sleeve 410 is a locking plate 405, which hasa slot 404 and apertures 403, and a pin holder 409 which has a limit pin407 and a locking pin 406. Also attached to the first sleeve 410 is asecond sleeve 408 which is collinear with a respective axis X3. Secondsleeve 408 holds bushings 414, and braces 411 and 412 secure secondsleeve 408 with first sleeve 410. Each respective second swivelingassembly 400 can be adjusted by unlocking locking pin 406, rotatingsecond swiveling assembly 400 about axis X3, and relocking locking pin406 into a desired aperture 441 in locking bracket 440. Limit pin 407 isengaged into slot 442 to limit the travel of the second swivelingassembly 400. Each respective first swiveling assembly 420 has au-bracket 422 wherein an arm assembly 310 can be pivotally mounted androtate about an axis X1. A locking pin 425, a limit pin 426, and a shaft424 which is collinear with axis X2, is mounted to the u-bracket 422.Each respective first swiveling assembly 420 can be adjusted byunlocking locking pin 425, rotating first swiveling assembly 420 aboutaxis X2, and relocking locking pin 425 into a desired aperture 403 inlocking plate 405. Each respective arm assembly 301 is pivotallyattached to a respective first swiveling assembly 420 and rotatableabout a respective axis X1 to perform exercise as will be explainedbelow.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary exercise assembly300. As explained above, each respective arm assembly 301 is pivotallymounted to a respective first swiveling assembly 420. Each respectivearm assembly 301 comprises an axle 312 which is mounted to a respectivefirst swivel assembly 420 and is collinear with a respective axis X1.Axle 312 is journaled by bushings 308 which fit into sleeve 309.Attached to sleeve 309 is a lever arm 302 wherein the lever arm haslocking plate 305 and shaft 314 attached at the other end. A swivelinghandle assembly 340 is pivotally attached to shaft 314 and rotatableabout an axis labeled A1. The swiveling handle assembly 340 comprises asleeve 344, which holds bushings 346, sleeve plate 347, locking pin 348,and handle 342. Collar 345 retains swiveling handle assembly 340 ontoshaft 314. A user can unlock locking pin 348, rotate swiveling handleassembly 340, and relock locking pin 348 into locking plate 305 sohandle 342 will be in a desired position. Also attached to lever arm 302is extension tube 315, which has an opening for sleeve 304, which holdsbushings 306. An angular adjustment mechanism 320, which is part of thearm assembly 301, is pivotally attached to the lever arm 302 and isdiscussed below.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a respective angularadjustment mechanism 320, as well as a connecting pulley assembly 540.The connecting pulley assembly 540 is part of the connection assemblyand will be discussed further below. The angular adjusting mechanism 320includes swivel bracket assembly 330, sleeve assembly 325, and armmember 321. Swivel bracket assembly 330 is pivotally attached to leverarm 302 and rotatable about an axis labeled J1. Swivel bracket assembly330 comprises a u-bracket 332, wherein a shaft 334 is mounted and iscollinear with axis J1 and is secured to lever arm 302 by collar 307.Sleeve assembly 325 comprises sleeve 326, wherein bushing sleeves 328are mounted and hold bushings 329. Locking pin 327 is also mounted tosleeve 326. Sleeve assembly 325 is pivotally mounted to swivel bracketassembly 330 and secured by bolts 335 and rotatable about an axislabeled J2. An arm member 321 has a plurality of apertures and isslidingly adjustable into sleeve assembly 325. A connection member,which is part of the connection assembly, is pivotally attached to thearm member 321 and discussed further below.

The connection assembly in the exemplary embodiment is a cable system500, which is shown in FIGS. 1-5. The cable assembly 500 interconnectsthe arm assemblies 301 of the exercise assembly 300 with the weightstack 200 so that when either one of the arm assemblies 301 are pushedor pulled outward by the user during exercise, the weight stack 200 islifted. The cable assembly 500 is described below. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that a similar result could be achieved using adifferent configuration of pulleys and cables. Also, belts, chains,cords, and rods with universal joints could be used instead of cables toconnect exercise assembly 300 to the weight stack 200. Also, freeweights could be loaded on or connected to the arm assemblies to providethe resistance.

The exemplary cable assembly 500 includes first and second cables 502and 504 respectively. The first cable 502 connects to the weight stack200. The second cable 504 connects to the arm assemblies 301 of theexercise assembly 300. The cable assembly further includes a doublefloating pulley assembly 510 interconnecting the cables 502 and 504, apair of self-aligning guide pulley assemblies 520 pivotally connected tothe frame 100, a pair of connecting pulley assemblies 540 pivotallymounted to arm member 321, and fixed pulleys 506, 508, 570, and 572,which are fixedly secured to the frame 100.

As shown in FIG. 9, the guide pulley assemblies 520 are pivotallyattached to brackets 120, which are supported by support member 118,which is attached to frame 100. Each guide pulley assembly 520 isrotatable about a respective axis labeled J4. Each respective guidepulley assembly 520 includes pulleys 507 and 509 mounted between sideplates 512, and mounting sleeve 511. Bushings 510 fit into the open endsof the mounting sleeve 511. Bumper stop 514 is attached to side plates512. The purpose of the bumper stops will be discussed in detail furtherbelow. The guide pulley assemblies 520 rotate about axes J4 to maintainalignment with the cable 504 when the travel paths of the arm assemblies301 are adjusted and during movement of the arm assemblies 301.

The cable assembly 500 also includes a pair of connection members whichin the exemplary embodiment it is a pair of connecting pulley assemblies540. Shown in FIG. 8, a respective connecting pulley assembly 540 ispivotally attached to arm member 321 and is rotatable about an axislabeled J3. Pulley 548 fits into pulley bracket 542 wherein shaft 544and bumper 550 is attached to pulley bracket 542. The purpose of thebumper 550 will be discussed in detail further below. Bushings 545 fitinto sleeve 546 wherein sleeve 546 is attached to arm member 321. Shaft544 along with bracket 542 is pivotally mounted to sleeve 546 androtatable about axis J3. The connecting pulley assemblies 540 rotateabout axes J3 to maintain alignment with the cable 504 when the travelpaths of the arm assemblies 301 are adjusted and during movement of thearm assemblies 301.

Cable 502 is connected at one end to the lift rod 206 and at theopposite end to the base 102. Cable 502 passes around fixed pulleys 506and 508 and floating pulley 503 in the floating pulley assembly 510.While the cable 502 is depicted as being anchored to the base 102, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the cable 502 could also beconnected to another exercise assembly. Cable 504 passes around floatingpulley 501 of the floating pulley assembly 510, fixed pulleys 570 and572, pulleys 507 of the guide pulley assemblies 520, pulleys 548 of theconnecting pulley assemblies 540, and pulleys 509 of the guide pulleyassemblies 520. A ball stop 505 is attached to each end of cable 504 tosecure the ends of cable 504 to the guide pulley assemblies 520. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the ends of the cable 504 couldalso be connected to other exercise assemblies.

As previously discussed, a respective arm member 321 is pivotallyattached to a respective lever arm 302 and rotatable about two axes ofrotation, J1 and J2 respectively. A respective connecting pulleyassembly 540 is pivotally attached to a respective arm member 321 androtatable about a respective connection axis J3. From the foregoing, itwill be apparent to those skilled in the art that a respectiveconnecting pulley assembly 540 is moveable about three axes of rotation.As previously discussed, a respective guide pulley assembly 520 ispivotally attached to the frame 100 and rotatable about a respectiveaxis J4. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, a respective connecting pulley assembly540 and a respective guide pulley assembly 520 bumper one another toprovide a rest position for a respective lever arm 302. Cable 504maintains a constant tension to keep guide pulley assemblies 520 andconnecting pulley assemblies 540 bumpered with one another when theexercise assembly 300 is not being used. As the arm assemblies 301 arebeing adjusted for a preselected travel path, the arm members 321,connecting pulley assemblies 540, and guide pulley assemblies 520 rotateabout axes J1, J2, J3, and J4 and self-align, thus enabling the guidepulley assemblies 520 and the connecting pulley assemblies 540 to remainbumpered with one another, thus allowing the cable assembly 500 tomaintain a substantially constant tension. During exercise, the armmembers 321, connecting pulley assemblies 540, and guide pulleyassemblies 520 rotate about axes J1, J2, J3, and J4 and self-align withcable 504, wherein the connecting pulley assemblies 540 and the guidepulley assemblies 520 return back into the bumpered position at the endof exercise and give the lever arms 302 a rest position.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate front and back perspective views of an exemplaryexercise machine 10 wherein the angular orientation of the lever arms302 are adjusted to different angles. To adjust the angle of arespective lever arm 302, the user will unlock locking pin 327 and pivotthe respective lever arm 302 about a respective axis X1, and then relockthe locking pin 327 in the desired location. During the adjustment,sleeve assembly 325 slides along arm member 321, wherein the arm member321, connecting pulley assembly 540, and guide pulley assemblies 520rotate about axes J1, J2, J3, and J4 and self-align, thus enabling theconnecting pulley assemblies 540 and the guide pulley assemblies 520 toremain in a bumpered position, thus allowing the cable assembly 500 tomaintain a substantially constant tension.

In use, the user adjusts the angular orientation of each lever arm 302to a comfortable position depending on factors such as the user's armlength, flexibility, and the exercise chosen. The user can also adjuststhe travel path for each arm assembly 301 by unlocking each arm assembly301, rotating each arm assembly 301 about a respective axis X2, andrelocking each arm assembly 301 into a desired position. Rotating thearm assemblies about the X2 axes will allow the user to select a neutralpath, a converging path, or a diverging path. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that some embodiments may provide multiple convergingand/or multiple diverging paths. The user can further adjust theposition and the travel path of each arm assembly 301 by unlocking eacharm assembly 301, rotating each arm assembly about a respective axis X3,and relocking each arm assembly 301 into a desired position. Rotatingthe arm assemblies 301 about the X3 axes will bring the arm assemblies301 in towards each other or out further away from each other. Also, thefurther apart the arm assemblies are adjusted from one another, a morepronounced arcuate path will be followed by the arm assemblies 301during exercise. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatthe arm assemblies 301 can be independently adjusted. After theadjustments are made, the user sits on seat 130 with the user's back orchest against the seat back 145. The user grasps the handles 342 foreach arm assembly 301 and pushes or pulls the arm assemblies 301 outwardto lift the weight stack 200. The user may choose to use the lever arms302 independently one at a time for some exercises. During exercise, thearm assemblies 301 rotate about the first axes X1. Each arm assembly 301will follow a neutral path, converging path, or diverging path aspreselected by the user. The guide pulley assemblies 520, connectingpulley assemblies 540, and arm members 321 will rotate to self-alignwith cable 504 when the travel path of the arm assemblies 301 isadjusted and during movement of the arm assemblies 301. At the end ofexercise, cable 504 will pull connecting pulley assemblies 540 back intobumper position with guide pulley assemblies 520 to provide a restposition for arm assemblies 301.

FIGS. 10-12, 16-18, and 22-24 are perspective views of exemplary firstand second pairs of swivel assemblies, 420 and 400 respectively, as wellas respective locking mechanisms, positioned in different settings.FIGS. 13-15, 19-21, and 25-27 are top views of exercise assembly 300 andillustrate the path the arm assemblies 301 would travel for thedifferent preselected settings. FIG. 10 corresponds with FIG. 13,wherein the first swivel assemblies 420 are positioned wherein the X1axes of exercise are in a diverging orientation. The second swivelassemblies 400 are positioned wherein the X2 axes are oriented whereinthe arm assemblies 301 would be in a narrow setting. As shown in FIG.13, these preselected settings would provide a diverging and linear pathof exercise.

FIG. 11 corresponds with FIG. 14, wherein the first swivel assemblies420 are positioned wherein the X1 axes of exercise are in a divergingorientation. The second swivel assemblies 400 are positioned wherein theX2 axes are oriented wherein the arm assemblies 301 would be in an opensetting. As shown in FIG. 14, these preselected settings would provide adiverging and slightly arcuate path of exercise.

FIG. 12 corresponds with FIG. 15, wherein the first swivel assemblies420 are positioned wherein the X1 axes of exercise are in a divergingorientation. The second swivel assemblies 400 are positioned wherein theX2 axes are oriented wherein the arm assemblies 301 would be in a widesetting. As shown in FIG. 15, these preselected settings would provide adiverging and moderate arcuate path of exercise.

FIG. 16 corresponds with FIG. 19, wherein the first swivel assemblies420 are positioned wherein the X1 axes of exercise are in a neutralorientation. The second swivel assemblies 400 are positioned wherein theX2 axes are oriented wherein the arm assemblies 301 would be in a narrowsetting. As shown in FIG. 19, these preselected settings would provide aneutral and linear path of exercise.

FIG. 17 corresponds with FIG. 20, wherein the first swivel assemblies420 are positioned wherein the X1 axes of exercise are in a neutralorientation. The second swivel assemblies 400 are positioned wherein theX2 axes are oriented wherein the arm assemblies 301 would be in an opensetting. As shown in FIG. 20, these preselected settings would provide aneutral and slightly arcuate path of exercise.

FIG. 18 corresponds with FIG. 21, wherein the first swivel assemblies420 are positioned wherein the X1 axes of exercise are in a neutralorientation. The second swivel assemblies 400 are positioned wherein theX2 axes are oriented wherein the arm assemblies 301 would be in a widesetting. As shown in FIG. 21, these preselected settings would provide aneutral and moderate arcuate path of exercise.

FIG. 22 corresponds with FIG. 25, wherein the first swivel assemblies420 are positioned wherein the X1 axes of exercise are in a convergingorientation. The second swivel assemblies 400 are positioned wherein theX2 axes are oriented wherein the arm assemblies 301 would be in a narrowsetting. As shown in FIG. 25, these preselected settings would provide aconverging and linear path of exercise.

FIG. 23 corresponds with FIG. 26 wherein the first swivel assemblies 420are positioned wherein the X1 axes of exercise are in a convergingorientation. The second swivel assemblies 400 are positioned wherein theX2 axes are oriented wherein the arm assemblies 301 would be in an opensetting. As shown in FIG. 26, these preselected settings would provide aconverging and slightly arcuate path of exercise.

FIG. 24 corresponds with FIG. 27 wherein the first swivel assemblies 420are positioned wherein the X1 axes of exercise are in a convergingorientation. The second swivel assemblies 400 are positioned wherein theX2 axes are oriented wherein the arm assemblies 301 would be in a widesetting. As shown in FIG. 27, these preselected settings would provide aconverging and moderate arcuate path of exercise.

FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate a front and back perspective view of anexercise machine 10 with an alternate construction of the exerciseassembly 300 and an alternate construction of the connection member. Thealternate connection member is labeled 610. The alternate design of theexercise assembly 300 and connection member 610, shown in FIG. 28, willprovide the same preselected travel paths, constant tension in theconnecting assembly when the arm assemblies are adjusted, and an angularadjustment mechanism to adjust the angular orientation of the lever arm302 as does the exemplary exercise assembly 300. Therefore, similarreference numerals are used to indicate similar components.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the angular adjustmentmechanism 600 comprises an arm member 601 wherein a locking plate 605 isfixedly attached. The angular orientation of lever arm 302 can beadjusted by unlocking the locking pin 355, pivoting lever arm 302 into adesired position, and relocking locking pin 355 into an aperture onlocking plate 605. The connection members 610, connects the resistanceto the arm assemblies 301. Each connection member 610 comprises aconnecting pulley assembly 540 that is pivotally attached to sleeve 611,which is attached to link rod 612. Ball joint 614 is attached to linkrod 612, wherein ball joint 614 is also pivotally attached to arm member601 and rotatable about a connection axis labeled R1. Collar 615 retainsball joint 614 onto arm member 601. The connecting pulley assemblies 540and guide pulley assemblies 520 bumper one another to provide a restposition for the arm assemblies 301. To accommodate adjustments intravel path selections and adjustments in positions of the armassemblies 301, the connection members 610, which includes connectingpulley assemblies 540, and the guide pulley assemblies 520 rotate andself-align, thus enabling the guide pulley assemblies 520 and theconnecting pulley assemblies 540 to remain bumpered with one another,thus allowing the cable assembly 500 to maintain a constant tension.During exercise, connection members 610, which include connecting pulleyassemblies 540, and the guide pulley assemblies 520 rotate andself-align with cable 504.

FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of an exercise machine 10 similarto the exercise machine 10 in FIGS. 28 and 29. The difference being, theexercise assembly 300 in FIG. 30 does not include angular adjustmentmechanisms 600, therefore, each respective lever arm 302 is notangularly adjustable from the front to the back of exercise machine 10.

FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate a front and back perspective view of anexercise machine 10 with an alternate construction of the connectionassembly. In this embodiment, the exercise assembly 300 is the same asthe exercise assembly discussed in FIGS. 28 and 29. The connectionmembers 613 comprises link rods 612, and ball joints 614 and 617respectively attached to each respective end of link rod 612. Arespective ball joint 614 is pivotally attached to a respective armmember 601 and rotatable about a connection axis labeled R1. Ball joints617 are attached to leverage arms 620 which are pivotally attached topivot brace 627. The leverage arms 620 are connected to resistance bycables 552 and 553. Bumper 625 holds the leverage arms in a restposition when the exercise assembly 300 is not in use. To accommodateadjustments in travel path selections and adjustments in positions ofthe arm assemblies 301, the link rods 612 rotate and self-align, thusenabling the arm assemblies 301 along with the leverage arms 620 toremain in a bumpered position, thus allowing the connection assembly,which is a combination link and cable assembly, to maintain asubstantially constant tension. During exercise, link rods 612 rotateand self-align as leverage arms 620 pivot about brace 627, wherein thecables 552 and 553 respectively lower and raise the weight stack. Thoseskilled in the art would also appreciate that there are many othervariations of linkages that could be used to obtain resistance.

FIG. 33 illustrates a perspective view of an exercise machine 10 similarto the exercise machine 10 in FIGS. 31 and 32. The difference being, theexercise assembly 300 in FIG. 33 does not include angular adjustmentmechanisms 600, therefore, each respective lever arm 302 is notangularly adjustable from the front to the back of exercise machine 10.

FIG. 34 illustrates a perspective view of an exercise machine 10 similarto the exercise machine 10 in FIGS. 31 and 32. The difference is theresistance element and the connection assembly. In this embodiment,during exercise, arm assemblies 301 pull leverage arms 620, which areinterconnected by cables 556 with leverage arms 630, wherein freeweights 645 are picked up by the leverage arms 630. Bumper 632 providesa rest position for leverage arms 630. Those skilled in the art wouldalso appreciate that there are many other variations of linkages thatcould be used to obtain resistance from free weights.

FIG. 35 illustrates a perspective view of an exercise machine 10 with analternate construction of the exercise assembly 300 and an alternateform of resistance. In this embodiment, the first swivel assemblies 420include a respective bumper 442. The angular adjustment mechanisms 700include a respective arm member 702, wherein a locking plate 605 isfixedly attached. The lever arm 302 is pivotally attached with armmember 702. The angular orientation of lever arm 302 can be adjusted byunlocking locking pin 355, pivoting lever arm 302 into the desiredposition, and relocking locking pin 355 into a selected aperture onlocking plate 605. Free weights 645 are loaded onto arm members 702 toprovide the resistance. Arm members 702 rest on bumpers 442 duringadjustments of travel path selections and adjustments of the positionsof arm assemblies and while the exercise assembly 300 is not being used.

FIG. 36 illustrates a perspective view of an exercise machine 10 similarto the exercise machine 10 in FIG. 35. The difference being, theexercise assembly 300 in FIG. 36 does not include angular adjustmentmechanisms 700, therefore, each respective lever arm 302 is notangularly adjustable from the front to the back of exercise machine 10.

FIG. 37 illustrates a perspective view of an exercise machine 10 with analternate adjusting and locking mechanism for the second swivelassemblies 400 of the exercise assembly 300. The construction of thisexercise assembly 300 is similar to the construction of the exerciseassembly 300 in FIGS. 1-4. In this embodiment, a crank mechanism 721 isused to adjust the second swivel assemblies 400. Pivot links 723 connectcrank tube 724 to the swivel assemblies 400, wherein turning crankhandle rod 725 will raise or lower the second swivel assemblies 400. Thecrank mechanism 721 is used to adjust the arm assemblies 301 as well aslock the second swivel assemblies into the desired position. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that a crank mechanism can beelectrically powered as well.

FIGS. 38 and 39 illustrate a front and back perspective view of anexercise machine 10 with an alternate exercise assembly 300. Theconstruction of this exercise assembly 300 is similar to theconstruction of the exemplary exercise assembly 300 in FIGS. 1-8. Inthis embodiment, the second swiveling assemblies 400 are constructeddifferently. Although constructed differently, these alternate secondswivel assemblies 400 pivot about axes X3 and adjust and lock in thesame way as the second swivel assemblies 400 in the exemplaryembodiment. FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the exercise assembly 300in this embodiment, as well as a portion of the cable assembly 500. FIG.41 is an exploded perspective view of the alternate second swivelingassemblies 400 as well as respective locking mechanisms. In this FIG.41, because this embodiment is similar to the exemplary embodiment,similar components are labeled with similar reference numerals. Eachrespective second swiveling assembly 400 can be adjusted by unlockinglocking pin 406, rotating second swiveling assembly 400 about axis X3,and relocking locking pin 406 into a desired aperture 441 in lockingbracket 440. Limit pin 407 is engaged into slot 442 to limit the travelof the second swiveling assembly 400. Rotation of the second pair ofswivel assemblies 400 about axes X3 will bring the arm assemblies 301 intowards each other or further apart from each other. Also, the furtherapart the arm assemblies are adjusted from one another, a morepronounced arcuate path will be followed by the arm assemblies duringexercise. There are no first swiveling assemblies 420 in thisembodiment, therefore the arm assemblies 301 are pivotally attached tothe second swiveling assemblies 400 and are rotatable about the X1 axesof exercise during use. In this embodiment, the arm assemblies 301 andthe cable assembly 500 are the same as the arm assemblies 301 and thecable assembly 500 in the exemplary embodiment, therefore, this part ofthe embodiment will function the same as that of the exemplaryembodiment when the adjustments of the positions of the arm assemblies301 are made and during use. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat any of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 28-34 can be constructedusing this embodiment, that is, without the first swiveling assemblies420.

FIGS. 42-44 are perspective views of alternate second pairs of swivelassemblies 400, as well as respective locking mechanisms, positioned indifferent settings. As previously described, this embodiment does notinclude the exemplary first swivel assemblies 420; therefore, neutral,converging, and diverging paths are not selectably adjustable. In thisembodiment, the alternate second swivel assemblies are constructedwherein the X1 axes of exercise are in a neutral setting. FIGS. 45-47are top views of the alternate exercise assembly 300 and illustrate thepath the arm assemblies 301 would travel for the different preselectedsettings. FIG. 42 corresponds with FIG. 45, wherein the X1 axes areoriented wherein the arm assemblies 301 would be in a narrow setting. Asshown in FIG. 45, these preselected settings would provide a neutral andlinear path of exercise.

FIG. 43 corresponds with FIG. 46, wherein the X1 axes are orientedwherein the arm assemblies 301 would be in an open setting. As shown inFIG. 46, these preselected settings would provide a neutral and slightlyarcuate path of exercise.

FIG. 44 corresponds with FIG. 47, wherein the X1 axes are orientedwherein the arm assemblies 301 would be in a wide setting. As shown inFIG. 47, these preselected settings would provide a neutral and moderatearcuate path of exercise.

FIG. 48 illustrates a perspective view of an exercise machine 10 with analternate construction of the exercise assembly 300 and an alternateform of resistance. This embodiment is similar to the embodimentpreviously discussed in FIG. 35. The difference being, the exerciseassembly 300 in FIG. 48 has the same alternate construction of thesecond swiveling assemblies 400 discussed in FIGS. 38 and 39. There areno exemplary first swiveling assemblies 420 in this embodiment.

FIG. 49 illustrates a perspective view of an exercise machine 10 similarto the exercise machine 10 in FIG. 48. The difference being, theexercise assembly 300 in FIG. 49 does not include angular adjustmentmechanisms 700, therefore, each respective lever arm 302 is notangularly adjustable from the front to the back of exercise machine 10.

FIGS. 50 and 51 illustrate a front and back perspective view of anexercise machine 10 with an alternate exercise assembly 300. Theconstruction of this exercise assembly 300 is similar to theconstruction of the exemplary exercise assembly 300 in FIGS. 1-8. Inthis embodiment, there are no second swiveling assemblies 400. FIG. 52is a perspective view of the exercise assembly 300 in this embodiment,as well as a portion of the cable assembly 500. FIG. 53 is an explodedperspective view of the first swiveling assemblies 420 as well asrespective locking mechanisms. In this FIG. 53, because this embodimentis similar to the exemplary embodiment, similar components are labeledwith similar reference numerals. The first swiveling assemblies 420 arepivotally attached to the frame 100 and are rotatable about axes X2.Locking plates 405 are fixedly attached to the frame 100 rather thanbeing attached to the second swiveling assemblies 400. Each respectivefirst swiveling assembly 420 can be adjusted by unlocking locking pin425, rotating first swiveling assembly 420 about axis X2, and relockinglocking pin 425 into a desired aperture 403 in locking plate 405. Thiswill alter the orientation of the axes of exercise, X1, and change thetravel path of the arm assemblies 301. The arm assemblies 301 willrevolve about axes X2 wherein a neutral, converging, or diverging pathcan be selected. Those skilled in the art would appreciate that thepresent invention could be used to select multiple converging pathsand/or multiple diverging paths. Also, in one embodiment, differentpaths can be selected for different arm assemblies 301. In thisembodiment, the arm assemblies 301 and the cable assembly 500 are thesame as the arm assemblies 301 and the cable assembly 500 in theexemplary embodiment, therefore, this part of the embodiment willfunction the same as that of the exemplary embodiment when theadjustments for the preselected travel paths of the arm assemblies 301are made and during use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatany of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 28-34 can be constructed usingthis embodiment, that is, without the second swiveling assemblies 400.

FIGS. 54-56 are perspective views of first swiveling assemblies 420pivotally attached to cross member 114. As previously described, thisembodiment does not include the exemplary second swivel assemblies 400;therefore, narrow, open, and wide settings are not selectablyadjustable. In this embodiment, the X2 axes are constructed wherein theX2 axes are tilted for an open setting for the arm assemblies 301. FIGS.57-59 are top views of the alternate exercise assembly 300 andillustrate the path the arm assemblies 301 would travel for thedifferent preselected settings. FIG. 54 corresponds with FIG. 57,wherein the X1 axes of exercise are in a diverging orientation. As shownin FIG. 57, these preselected settings would provide a diverging andslightly arcuate path of exercise.

FIG. 55 corresponds with FIG. 58, wherein the X1 axes of exercise are ina neutral orientation. As shown in FIG. 58, these preselected settingswould provide a neutral and slightly arcuate path of exercise.

FIG. 56 corresponds with FIG. 59, wherein the X1 axes of exercise are ina converging orientation. As shown in FIG. 59, these preselectedsettings would provide a converging and slightly arcuate path ofexercise.

FIG. 60 illustrates a perspective view of an exercise machine 10 with analternate construction of the exercise assembly 300 and an alternateform of resistance. This embodiment is similar to the embodimentpreviously discussed in FIG. 35. The difference being, the exerciseassembly 300 in FIG. 60 has the same attachment means for the firstswiveling assemblies as discussed in FIGS. 50 and 51. There are noexemplary second swiveling assemblies 400 in this embodiment.

FIG. 61 illustrates a perspective view of an exercise machine 10 similarto the exercise machine 10 in FIG. 60. The difference being, theexercise assembly 300 in FIG. 61 does not include angular adjustmentmechanisms 700, therefore, each respective lever arm 302 is notangularly adjustable from the front to the back of exercise machine 10.

The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other specificways than those herein set forth without departing from the spirit andessential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are,therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalencyrange of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

1. An exercise machine comprising: a frame; at least one resistance element to provide resistance for performing exercise; a pair of arm assemblies connected to said resistance; a first pair of swivel assemblies, each respective said arm assembly pivotally connected to a respective said first swivel assembly and rotatable about a respective first axis to perform exercise; and a second pair of swivel assemblies, each respective said first swivel assembly pivotally connected to a respective said second swivel assembly and rotatable about a respective second axis wherein rotation of a respective said first swivel assembly will revolve a respective said arm assembly about a respective said second axis and allow selection of a desired travel path for said arm assemblies, wherein said second pair of swivel assemblies are pivotally attached to said frame and are rotatable about a respective third axis, wherein rotation of said second swivel assemblies will bring said arm assemblies in towards each other or out away from each other to provide additional travel path selections for said arm assemblies.
 2. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein said first pair of swivel assemblies comprises a locking mechanism for locking said arm assemblies in a desired position to prevent rotation about said second axes.
 3. The exercise machine of claim 2 wherein said locking mechanism on each respective said first swivel assembly comprises a locking plate mounted to one of a respective said first swivel assembly and respective said second swivel assembly and having a plurality of apertures, and a locking pin mounted to the other of a respective said first swivel assembly and respective said second swivel assembly to engage a selected aperture of said locking plate to lock a respective said arm assembly in a desired position.
 4. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein said second pair of swivel assemblies comprises a locking mechanism for locking said arm assemblies in a desired position to prevent rotation about said third axes.
 5. The exercise machine of claim 4 wherein said locking mechanism on each respective said second swivel assembly comprises a locking plate mounted to one of a respective said second swivel assembly and said frame and having a plurality of apertures, and a locking pin mounted to the other of a respective said second swivel assembly and said frame to engage a selected aperture of said locking plate to lock a respective said arm assembly in a desired position.
 6. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein a respective said arm assembly may comprise: a lever arm, said lever arm including at least one handle for gripping by user; an angular adjustment mechanism, said angular adjustment mechanism providing means to adjust the angular orientation of said lever arm; and a connection axis to connect resistance to said arm assembly.
 7. The exercise machine of claim 6 wherein an angular adjustment mechanism comprises: a sleeve with a locking pin; a swivel bracket; and an arm member, having a plurality of apertures formed therein, and slidingly adjustable into said sleeve with a locking pin, therefore adjustable in a first direction, wherein said sleeve is pivotally attached to said swivel bracket to allow movement of said arm member in a second direction, wherein said swivel bracket is pivotally attached to said lever arm to allow movement of said arm member in a third direction, wherein the angular position of a respective said lever arm is pivotally adjustable about a respective said first axis by unlocking said pin on said sleeve and sliding said sleeve along said arm member and relocking pin in desired location.
 8. The exercise machine of claim 7 further including a cable assembly connecting said arm assemblies to said resistance device wherein said cable assembly comprises: a pair of guide pulley assemblies pivotally connected to said frame, each respective said guide pulley assembly having a bumper or bumper stop; a pair of connection members, each respective connection member includes a respective connecting pulley assembly, each said connecting pulley assembly having a bumper or bumper stop attached and pivotally connected to a respective said arm member, wherein a respective said guide pulley assembly and a respective said connecting pulley assembly bumper one another to support a respective said arm assembly in a rest position; a cable passing around said guide pulley assemblies on said frame and said connecting pulley assemblies on said arm members; and wherein said guide pulley assemblies, said arm members, and said connecting pulley assemblies rotate to align during travel path selection adjustments, thus enabling the said guide pulley assemblies and said connecting pulley assemblies to remain bumpered with one another, thus allowing the said cable assembly to maintain a substantially constant tension; and wherein said guide pulley assemblies, said arm members, and said connecting pulley assemblies rotate and self-align with said cable for the preselected travel paths during exercise; and wherein the said guide pulley assemblies and said connecting pulley assemblies return back into a bumpered position at the end of exercise to support the said arm assemblies in a rest position.
 9. The exercise machine of claim 6 wherein a respective said angular adjustment mechanism may comprise: an arm member pivotally attached with said lever arm; and a locking plate mounted to one of said arm member and said lever arm and having a plurality of apertures, and a locking pin mounted to the other of said arm member and said lever arm to engage a selected aperture of said locking plate, wherein a said lever arm can be pivotally rotated and positioned and locked at a desired angle.
 10. The exercise machine of claim 9 further including a cable assembly connecting said resistance to said arm assemblies wherein said cable assembly comprises: a pair of connection members, each respective connection member includes a respective connecting pulley assembly and a respective link rod, each said connecting pulley assembly having a bumper or bumper stop attached and pivotally connected to a respective said link rod at one end and rotatable about at least one axis of rotation, wherein the other end of said link rod is pivotally attached to a respective said arm assembly at said connection axis and rotatable about at least one axis of rotation. a pair of guide pulley assemblies pivotally attached to said frame, each respective said guide pulley assembly having a bumper or bumper stop attached wherein said guide pulley assemblies and said connecting pulley assemblies bumper each other to support a respective said arm assembly in a rest position; a cable passing around said guide pulley assemblies on said frame and said connecting pulley assemblies on said link rods; and wherein said guide pulley assemblies and said connection members rotate to align during travel path selection adjustments, thus enabling the said guide pulley assemblies and said connecting pulley assemblies to remain bumpered with one another, thus allowing the said cable assembly to maintain a substantially constant tension; and wherein said guide pulley assemblies and said connection members rotate and self-align with said cable for the preselected travel paths during exercise; and wherein the said guide pulley assemblies and said connecting pulley assemblies return back into a bumpered position at the end of exercise to support the said arm assemblies in a rest position.
 11. The exercise machine of claim 9 further comprising a link assembly connecting said resistance to said arm assemblies wherein said link assembly comprises: a pair of link rods with at least one axis of rotation on each end, wherein one end of a respective said link rod is connected on a respective said connection axis of a respective said arm assembly; and a leverage mechanism pivotally attached to said frame, wherein the other end of a respective said link rod is connected to said leverage mechanism, said leverage mechanism is bumpered to prevent rotation in both directions thus supporting said arm assemblies in a rest position, wherein rotation of said leverage mechanism will displace said resistance element; and wherein said link rods rotate to align during travel path selection adjustments, thus enabling said leverage mechanism to remain in a bumpered position, thus allowing the said link assembly to maintain a substantially constant tension; and wherein said link rods rotate and self-align with said link assembly for the preselected travel paths during exercise; and wherein the said leverage mechanism returns back into a bumpered position at the end of exercise to support the said arm assemblies in a rest position.
 12. The exercise machine of claim 9 wherein said resistance element comprises free weight plates directly mountable to said arm assemblies, each said arm assembly pivotally mounted to a respective said first swivel assembly and rotatable about a respective said first axis to perform exercise, each respective said first swivel assembly comprising a bumper to engage and support a respective said arm assembly when a respective said arm assembly sits in a rest position, wherein a respective said bumper rotates along with a respective said arm assembly during adjustments to the travel path selections and adjustments to the positions of the arm assemblies.
 13. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein said second swivel assemblies can be adjusted with a crank mechanism.
 14. An exercise machine comprising: a frame; at least one resistance element to provide resistance for performing exercise; a pair of arm assemblies connected to said resistance; a pair of swivel assemblies, each respective said arm assembly pivotally connected to a respective said swivel assembly and rotatable about a respective first axis to perform exercise, wherein said swivel assemblies are pivotally attached to said frame and are rotatable about a respective second axis, wherein rotation of said swivel assemblies will alter said first axes, the axes of exercise, and will bring said arm assemblies in towards each other or out away from each other to provide various travel path selections for said arm assemblies; and means for locking said swivel assemblies, wherein said arm assemblies can be adjusted into a desired position prior to exercise.
 15. The exercise machine of claim 14 wherein said locking means on each respective said swivel assembly comprises a locking plate mounted to one of a respective said swivel assembly and said frame and having a plurality of apertures, and a locking pin mounted to the other of a respective said swivel assembly and said frame to engage a selected aperture of said locking plate to lock a respective said arm assembly in a desired position.
 16. The exercise machine of claim 14 wherein a respective said arm assembly may comprise: a lever arm, said lever arm including at least one handle for gripping by user; an angular adjustment mechanism, said angular adjustment mechanism providing means to adjust the angular orientation of said lever arm; and a connection axis to connect resistance to said arm assembly.
 17. The exercise machine of claim 16 wherein an angular adjustment mechanism comprises: a sleeve with a locking pin; a swivel bracket; and an arm member, having a plurality of apertures formed therein, and slidingly adjustable into said sleeve with a locking pin, therefore adjustable in a first direction, wherein said sleeve is pivotally attached to said swivel bracket to allow movement of said arm member in a second direction, wherein said swivel bracket is pivotally attached to said lever arm to allow movement of said arm member in a third direction, wherein the angular position of a respective said lever arm is pivotally adjustable about a respective said first axis by unlocking said pin on said sleeve and sliding said sleeve along said arm member and relocking pin in desired location.
 18. The exercise machine of claim 17 further including a cable assembly connecting said arm assemblies to said resistance device wherein said cable assembly comprises: a pair of guide pulley assemblies pivotally connected to said frame, each respective said guide pulley assembly having a bumper or bumper stop; a pair of connection members, each respective connection member includes a respective connecting pulley assembly, each said connecting pulley assembly having a bumper or bumper stop attached and pivotally connected to a respective said arm member, wherein a respective said guide pulley assembly and a respective said connecting pulley assembly bumper one another to support a respective said arm assembly in a rest position; a cable passing around said guide pulley assemblies on said frame and said connecting pulley assemblies on said arm members; and wherein said guide pulley assemblies, said arm members, and said connecting pulley assemblies rotate to align during travel path selection adjustments, thus enabling the said guide pulley assemblies and said connecting pulley assemblies to remain bumpered with one another, thus allowing the said cable assembly to maintain a substantially constant tension; and wherein said guide pulley assemblies, said arm members, and said connecting pulley assemblies rotate and self-align with said cable for the preselected travel paths during exercise; and wherein the said guide pulley assemblies and said connecting pulley assemblies return back into a bumpered position at the end of exercise to support the said arm assemblies in a rest position.
 19. The exercise machine of claim 16 wherein a respective said angular adjustment mechanism may comprise: an arm member pivotally attached with said lever arm; and a locking plate mounted to one of said arm member and said lever arm and having a plurality of apertures, and a locking pin mounted to the other of said arm member and said lever arm to engage a selected aperture of said locking plate, wherein a said lever arm can be pivotally rotated and positioned and locked at a desired angle.
 20. The exercise machine of claim 19 further including a cable assembly connecting said resistance to said arm assemblies wherein said cable assembly comprises: a pair of connection members, each respective connection member includes a respective connecting pulley assembly and a respective link rod, each said connecting pulley assembly having a bumper or bumper stop attached and pivotally connected to a respective said link rod at one end and rotatable about at least one axis of rotation, wherein the other end of said link rod is pivotally attached to a respective said arm assembly at said connection axis and rotatable about at least one axis of rotation. a pair of guide pulley assemblies pivotally attached to said frame, each respective said guide pulley assembly having a bumper or bumper stop attached wherein said guide pulley assemblies and said connecting pulley assemblies bumper each other to support a respective said arm assembly in a rest position; a cable passing around said guide pulley assemblies on said frame and said connecting pulley assemblies on said link rods; and wherein said guide pulley assemblies and said connection members rotate to align during travel path selection adjustments, thus enabling the said guide pulley assemblies and said connecting pulley assemblies to remain bumpered with one another, thus allowing the said cable assembly to maintain a substantially constant tension; and wherein said guide pulley assemblies and said connection members rotate and self-align with said cable for the preselected travel paths during exercise; and wherein the said guide pulley assemblies and said connecting pulley assemblies return back into a bumpered position at the end of exercise to support the said arm assemblies in a rest position.
 21. The exercise machine of claim 19 further comprising a link assembly connecting said resistance to said arm assemblies wherein said link assembly comprises: a pair of link rods with at least one axis of rotation on each end, wherein one end of a respective said link rod is connected on a respective said connection axis of a respective said arm assembly; and a leverage mechanism pivotally attached to said frame, wherein the other end of a respective said link rod is connected to said leverage mechanism, said leverage mechanism is bumpered to prevent rotation in both directions thus supporting said arm assemblies in a rest position, wherein rotation of said leverage mechanism will displace said resistance element; and wherein said link rods rotate to align during travel path selection adjustments, thus enabling said leverage mechanism to remain in a bumpered position, thus allowing the said link assembly to maintain a substantially constant tension; and wherein said link rods rotate and self-align with said link assembly for the preselected travel paths during exercise; and wherein the said leverage mechanism returns back into a bumpered position at the end of exercise to support the said arm assemblies in a rest position.
 22. The exercise machine of claim 19 wherein said resistance element comprises free weight plates directly mountable to said arm assemblies, each said arm assembly pivotally mounted to a respective said swivel assembly and rotatable about a respective said first axis to perform exercise, each respective said swivel assembly comprising a bumper to engage and support a respective said arm assembly when a respective said arm assembly sits in a rest position, wherein a respective said bumper rotates along with a respective said arm assembly during adjustments to the travel path selections and adjustments to the positions of the arm assemblies.
 23. The exercise machine of claim 14 wherein said second swivel assemblies can be adjusted with a crank mechanism.
 24. An exercise machine comprising: a frame; at least one resistance element to provide resistance for performing exercise; a pair of arm assemblies connected to said resistance; a pair of swivel assemblies, each respective said arm assembly pivotally connected to a respective said swivel assembly and rotatable about a respective first axis to perform exercise, wherein said swivel assemblies are pivotally attached to said frame and are rotatable about a respective second axis, wherein rotation of said swivel assemblies will alter said first axes, the axes of exercise, and will revolve said arm assemblies about said second axes to provide travel path selections for said arm assemblies; and means for locking said swivel assemblies, wherein said arm assemblies can be adjusted into a desired position prior to exercise.
 25. The exercise machine of claim 24 wherein said locking means on each respective said swivel assembly comprises a locking plate mounted to one of a respective said swivel assembly and said frame and having a plurality of apertures, and a locking pin mounted to the other of a respective said swivel assembly and said frame to engage a selected aperture of said locking plate to lock a respective said arm assembly in a desired position.
 26. The exercise machine of claim 24 wherein a respective said arm assembly may comprise: a lever arm, said lever arm including at least one handle for gripping by user; an angular adjustment mechanism, said angular adjustment mechanism providing means to adjust the angular orientation of said lever arm; and a connection axis to connect resistance to said arm assembly.
 27. The exercise machine of claim 26 wherein an angular adjustment mechanism comprises: a sleeve with a locking pin; a swivel bracket; and an arm member, having a plurality of apertures formed therein, and slidingly adjustable into said sleeve with a locking pin, therefore adjustable in a first direction, wherein said sleeve is pivotally attached to said swivel bracket to allow movement of said arm member in a second direction, wherein said swivel bracket is pivotally attached to said lever arm to allow movement of said arm member in a third direction, wherein the angular position of a respective said lever arm is pivotally adjustable about a respective said first axis by unlocking said pin on said sleeve and sliding said sleeve along said arm member and relocking pin in desired location.
 28. The exercise machine of claim 27 further including a cable assembly connecting said arm assemblies to said resistance device wherein said cable assembly comprises: a pair of guide pulley assemblies pivotally connected to said frame, each respective said guide pulley assembly having a bumper or bumper stop; a pair of connection members, each respective connection member includes a respective connecting pulley assembly, each said connecting pulley assembly having a bumper or bumper stop attached and pivotally connected to a respective said arm member, wherein a respective said guide pulley assembly and a respective said connecting pulley assembly bumper one another to support a respective said arm assembly in a rest position; a cable passing around said guide pulley assemblies on said frame and said connecting pulley assemblies on said arm members; and wherein said guide pulley assemblies, said arm members, and said connecting pulley assemblies rotate to align during travel path selection adjustments, thus enabling the said guide pulley assemblies and said connecting pulley assemblies to remain bumpered with one another, thus allowing the said cable assembly to maintain a substantially constant tension; and wherein said guide pulley assemblies, said arm members, and said connecting pulley assemblies rotate and self-align with said cable for the preselected travel paths during exercise; and wherein the said guide pulley assemblies and said connecting pulley assemblies return back into a bumpered position at the end of exercise to support the said arm assemblies in a rest position.
 29. The exercise machine of claim 26 wherein a respective said angular adjustment mechanism may comprise: an arm member pivotally attached with said lever arm; and a locking plate mounted to one of said arm member and said lever arm and having a plurality of apertures, and a locking pin mounted to the other of said arm member and said lever arm to engage a selected aperture of said locking plate, wherein a said lever arm can be pivotally rotated and positioned and locked at a desired angle.
 30. The exercise machine of claim 29 further including a cable assembly connecting said resistance to said arm assemblies wherein said cable assembly comprises: a pair of connection members, each respective connection member includes a respective connecting pulley assembly and a respective link rod, each said connecting pulley assembly having a bumper or bumper stop attached and pivotally connected to a respective said link rod at one end and rotatable about at least one axis of rotation, wherein the other end of said link rod is pivotally attached to a respective said arm assembly at said connection axis and rotatable about at least one axis of rotation. a pair of guide pulley assemblies pivotally attached to said frame, each respective said guide pulley assembly having a bumper or bumper stop attached wherein said guide pulley assemblies and said connecting pulley assemblies bumper each other to support a respective said arm assembly in a rest position; a cable passing around said guide pulley assemblies on said frame and said connecting pulley assemblies on said link rods; and wherein said guide pulley assemblies and said connection members rotate to align during travel path selection adjustments, thus enabling the said guide pulley assemblies and said connecting pulley assemblies to remain bumpered with one another, thus allowing the said cable assembly to maintain a substantially constant tension; and wherein said guide pulley assemblies and said connection members rotate and self-align with said cable for the preselected travel paths during exercise; and wherein the said guide pulley assemblies and said connecting pulley assemblies return back into a bumpered position at the end of exercise to support the said arm assemblies in a rest position.
 31. The exercise machine of claim 29 further comprising a link assembly connecting said resistance to said arm assemblies wherein said link assembly comprises: a pair of link rods with at least one axis of rotation on each end, wherein one end of a respective said link rod is connected on a respective said connection axis of a respective said arm assembly; and a leverage mechanism pivotally attached to said frame, wherein the other end of a respective said link rod is connected to said leverage mechanism, said leverage mechanism is bumpered to prevent rotation in both directions thus supporting said arm assemblies in a rest position, wherein rotation of said leverage mechanism will displace said resistance element; and wherein said link rods rotate to align during travel path selection adjustments, thus enabling said leverage mechanism to remain in a bumpered position, thus allowing the said link assembly to maintain a substantially constant tension; and wherein said link rods rotate and self-align with said link assembly for the preselected travel paths during exercise; and wherein the said leverage mechanism returns back into a bumpered position at the end of exercise to support the said arm assemblies in a rest position.
 32. The exercise machine of claim 29 wherein said resistance element comprises free weight plates directly mountable to said arm assemblies, each said arm assembly pivotally mounted to a respective said swivel assembly and rotatable about a respective said first axis to perform exercise, each respective said swivel assembly comprising a bumper to engage and support a respective said arm assembly when a respective said arm assembly sits in a rest position, wherein a respective said bumper rotates along with a respective said arm assembly during adjustments to the travel path selections and adjustments to the positions of the arm assemblies. 